Love, Strength, and Heavy Stones: A Stafford Honeymoon with a Mission

Most couples spend their honeymoon relaxing on a beach, but for Stafford residents Fi and Nick, an ordinary trip was never the plan. After tying the knot this past Valentine’s Day, the newlyweds headed north for an unusual and gruelling challenge: a stone lifting tour of Scotland.

The couple travelled across the Highlands to tackle some of the country’s most famous and brutally heavy stones. These weights ranged from 50kg to a staggering 165kg.

Lifting for a Cause

The journey was fuelled by a deep commitment to Combat Stress, which is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. For over a century, the charity has provided vital support to former servicemen and women dealing with trauma-related issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Both Fi and Nick have received ongoing support from Combat Stress over the last few years, and this honeymoon was their way of giving back. Fi noted that when a veteran is having a tough time, the charity is there to help them tackle the past and take on the future.

Defying the Odds

The challenge was even more significant given the personal battle Nick is facing. While training and lifting these legendary stones, including the famous Inver Stone at the Highland Games Centre, Nick has been battling advanced liver cancer.

Despite the physical toll, Nick’s determination never wavered. Fi described him as a beast during training, driven by the goal to turn every successful lift into a real impact for fellow veterans.

The Journey Continues

The couple has already raised over £1,300, but they are not finished yet. While Nick begins his cancer treatment this week, the couple plans to take on part two of the honeymoon as soon as he is feeling well enough.

Fi says that lifting stones is in his bones and they have many more they would like to lift in aid of this amazing charity. The fundraising page will remain open as they continue their stone lifting journey, ensuring that veterans continue to receive the specialized care they need.

How You Can Help

You can support Fi and Nick’s mission and help boost their total for Combat Stress by donating through their JustGiving page. You can also follow their progress and watch their mini documentary series of the lifts on Instagram @big.wintz and @fi.w.star